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HSP/SPS Resources

Do you think you might be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) or someone with Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS)? Find out through this self assessment.


Are you parenting a child who you think might be highly sensitive?  This assessment may help you understand!


Or maybe you are curious if you are High Sensation Seeking.  There's a self assessment for you, too!


What is HSP and what is SPS?


See our Top Ten Traits of HSPs
 

Thriving HSP Group

Virtual

Returning in May after a break in April

You are invited to join us for our Thriving HSP Group! 

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Adina and Anna are excited to join with you in exploring what it means to be an HSP/SPS in this world, with discussion topics and activities to explore.​ This group is for individuals 16 years old and over.

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Most insurances are accepted for this group, and private pay options are available. â€‹â€‹

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Please sign up with interest below, and a facilitator will be in touch with next steps.

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May 11 - The Emotional Chameleon: Comparison and Criticism

May 28 - Full Brain, Tired Body: Slowing Down, Self Care and Downtime

June 8 - Dark Water, Deep Sky: Managing and Sharing our Gift of Emotional Depth

June 25 - Grief and Loss as an HSP

July 13 - Social Navigation in Every Relationship 

July 23 - Transitions in Every Corner of Life

Sign Up!

Which groups would you like to attend? (You may add more later)

Thanks for submitting!

Top Ten Traits of HSPs
 

Highly sensitive people (HSPs) experience the world through a richer, more finely tuned lens. These common traits help capture what it’s like to navigate life with this unique personality style:

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  1. You think about things really deeply: You don't skim the surface; you dive deep into thoughts, ideas, and decisions, often mulling things over carefully before making a move.

  2. Crowds and noise can be a lot: You tend to get overwhelmed easily by sensory "noise"—loud sounds, bright lights, chaotic crowds, or strong smells can leave you feeling frazzled.

  3. You're a natural empath: You really feel other people’s feelings and moods, easily stepping into their shoes and often absorbing the emotional atmosphere of a room.

  4. Quiet alone time is essential: Recharge time isn't a luxury; it’s a necessity. You need regular moments of peace and quiet to decompress and reset your nervous system.

  5. You notice all the little things: You pick up on subtleties that others miss—a slight shift in tone of voice, a tiny detail in a room, or a delicate change in the weather.

  6. Art, music, and nature move you deeply: You have a rich inner world and find profound joy and meaning in beauty, creativity, and the natural world.

  7. Criticism stings more than average: Conflict and negative feedback feel intense, leading you to be extra thoughtful about how you navigate relationships and potential disagreements.

  8. You're super conscientious: You take your responsibilities seriously and tend to be very detail-oriented and reliable, often going above and beyond in your work.

  9. You prefer gentle entertainment: Intense or violent movies, TV shows, and news stories can feel physically and emotionally jarring, so you often opt for calmer viewing experiences.

  10. Emotions are big and vibrant: You feel everything intensely—the highs are higher, and the lows are lower. You live life with the volume turned up on your feelings.

Wait... I know HSP, but what is SPS?

HSP and SPS refer to the same concept: a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) is an individual with high Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS). The terms are often used interchangeably, with SPS being the scientific term used in academic research. 

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Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS)

SPS is a biologically-based, innate personality trait involving a more sensitive central nervous system and a deeper cognitive processing of stimuli, affecting an estimated 15-20% of the population in humans and over 100 other species. It is not considered a disorder or a clinical condition, but rather a normal variation in temperament. 

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Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)

A person who scores highly on measures of SPS (such as the Highly Sensitive Person Scale developed by psychologists Elaine and Arthur Aron) is referred to as a Highly Sensitive Person. 

Living Stones Counseling Services

9066 Perry Highway, Ste 4

Pittsburgh, PA 15237

Living Stones Counseling Services

2350 Noblestown Rd., Suite 200

Pittsburgh, PA 15205

©2019 by Living Stones Counseling Services

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